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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - COTA Meeting Minutes 11/05/2018Minutes COMMISSION ON THE ARTS Council Chambers City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Monday, November 5, 2018 Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Jason Paull. Members present were Deanne Brill, Tom Lockhart, and Natalie Robinson. Steve Sullivan was not present. Staff member Tasheik Kerr was also present. Public Forum No one was present for Public Forum. Approval of the October 1, 2018 Minutes Moved by Tom, seconded by Natalie, to approve the minutes of the October 1, 2018 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Approval of Spring Special Grant Projects Tom allocated the Octagon Center for the Arts an additional eight cents. It was moved by Deanne, seconded by Tom, to recommend approval of the Spring Special Project Grants as follows: Organization Recommended Amount Total $3,404.00 Discussion on whether to accept Dancenter Dancer’s Annual Grant application Tasheik informed the Commissioners that Dancenter Dancer did not attend the required workshop on September 10. The organization had submitted a request for a waiver of this requirement. Jason mentioned that Steve had emailed him and Tasheik his thoughts on the matter. Jason noted that Steve referenced the decision made by the Commissioners last year, which was to accept the organizations’ application but cap the amount at the previous year allocation. It was moved by Tom, seconded by Natalie, to accept Dancenter Dancer’s application. Annual Grant Hearings Steve Hoifeldt, of the Ames Choral Society, provided an overview on the Ames Choral Society. He noted for next year, the Ames Choral Society would like to perform Paul Winter’s Missa Gaia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. He also noted that the organization had added other shows to its program. Jason asked about the increase in revenues from tickets and memberships and the increase in the expense for the honorarium. Steve responded that the major works require many singers. The increase in expense can be attributed to the cost of the music and skilled musicians. Other expenses include rent, printing, and storage. Steve Hoifeldt was also representing Good Company. He noted that Good Company just celebrated its twenty-sixth season. This year, Good Company will be doing a piece with harp at its December concert. Next year, Good Company will be focusing on outreach to women who have an interest in singing. The organization had also reached out to Valerie Williams, of Co’Motion Dance, to collaborate on a dance and vocal music program. The commissioned piece on Steve Hoifeldt’s behalf is also in the works for next year. Noelle Fultz and Paul Ferrone, of Ames International Orchestra Festival Association (AIOFA), announced the organization would be celebrating its fifth season. This year, AIOFA would be presenting the San Francisco Symphony for the first time. Several of the members have Iowa connections. Next year, AIOFA will be looking to revitalize the festival type of engagements to reduce barriers between audiences and orchestral music. Paul Ferrone, the development manager of the Iowa State Center, noted that in addition to the festival concept, AIOFA would be hosting the Siberian State Symphony Orchestra as well as other ensembles including Shattered Glass and the Knights. Jason asked about the increased contribution from Iowa State to AIOFA. Paul Ferrone explained that the Iowa State Center assumes the financial responsibility for AIOFA. The amount is the subsidy provided to AIOFA. Heather Johnson, of the Octagon Center of the Arts, noted that the Octagon is in its 50th year of operation. Some of the Octagon’s highlights this year include hosting the Boys and Girls Club teen group, nineteen exhibits, and offering 80 classes and workshops to students of all ages. In the spring of next year, the Octagon will be collaborating with the Ames Community Arts Council to host the Business of Art Seminar and with the Public Arts Commission to host a nature scape exhibit. The Octagon will also be offering art camps over the spring and summer break. Mary Richards and Ursula Reudenberg, of KHOI, noted their request from COTA was for operational support. Mary noted that KHOI’s request was different from its previous requests. She noted that the programs COTA supported in the past were still ongoing. Those programs include coordination with the Greenlee School and the ISU Daily on a podcast/audio lab training. Jason noted that KHOI had included in their application the use of COTA funds to upgrade its sound equipment. He reminded the organization that the use of COTA funds for capital expenditures is forbidden. Ursula Reudenberg mentioned that the soundscape lab workshop was great last year, but audience participation was not as high as anticipated. KHOI’s board decided that until the workshop was more developed, they would apply for funding for a project that was more related to the arts. She noted that the concert series, which combines in studio and live on-air concerts, have been successful. Ann Kimber, of the Ames Town and Gown, announced that the organization is applying for funds for its 70-anniversary season. Ames Town and Gown plans to conduct more outreach efforts. Stan Rabe, of the Ames Community Theater (ACTORS), noted that ACTORS is in its 63rd season. This year, a sixth show was added. ACTORS are applying for operational support for FY 19/20. Stan noted that the shows are getting expensive to produce. Jason inquired on how ACTORS served as a resource for the Ames Boys and Girls Club, the Ames Police Department, and ISU. Stan responded that ACTORS gave tours and acting classes to the Boys and Girls Club theater group, provided props to the Ames police department to use in its videos, and conducted residency hall activities for ISU. Jason also inquired about the 2/3 decrease in donations for FY 18/19 and FY 19/20 and the increase in expenses relating to occupancy/rent/ utilities/maintenance and production. Stan responded that ACTORS had received a bequest; however, the individual had not passed away. In regards to its expenses, ACTORS will be replacing the stage and the deck of its facility. ACTORS also has other cost related to lumber, flats, and costuming. Srinivas Reddy, of the India Cultural Association (ICA), informed the Commission that ICA is requesting funds to bring a dance troupe of 30 people from the internationally renowned Kuchipudi Art Academy. ICA will host the troupe for three days. The troupe will have two workshops to be held at either the Ames High School, ISU, the library or the senior center. If the troupe is unable to do the workshop, ICA will bring an artist from Des Moines. Jason inquired about the “other expenses” ICA listed in its budget form. Srinivas responded that the expenses include auditorium rental, equipment, and additional artists. Valerie Williams, of Kids’ Co’Motion, explained that Kid’s Co’Motion is a modern dance workshop for kids that runs for three weeks. In respond to Jason’s inquiry, Valerie noted that Kid’s Co’Motion financials are part of Co’Motion Dance. Don Withers and Sam Wormley, of Central Iowa Symphony (CIS), provided a summary of what CIS does. Don Withers noted that COTA funds would be used to pay for rehearsal and performance space, honorarium, and music rental. The symphony performs concerts in October, December (holiday theme), March (young artists concert), May, and August (free concert at Bandshell Park.) Jason inquired about the 900+ complimentary tickets provided to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at ISU and the increase in expense related to the City auditorium fees. Sam Wormley, responded that they tracked the concert and around 150 tickets come back every season. Don Withers noted that the increase in expenses is not due solely to the increase in the City auditorium fees. It was noted that CIS could do more if they pay more for music and marketing. Shon Stephenson, of the Ames Children’s Choirs, noted that the organization had added a fourth choir to broaden its services to more singers. Ames Children’s Choirs holds three concerts each year: a festival, a winter concert, and a spring concert. Jason inquired about the $10,000 in liabilities listed on the organization’s balance sheet. Francine White, the bookkeeper for the Ames Children’s Choirs, responded that the children’s tours are self- funded. The balance represents the fundraising done by the singers. Leslie Kawaler and Bruce Martin, of the Ames Chamber Artists, expressed their gratitude to COTA for its support. Leslie provided several examples of the Ames Chamber Artists involvement in the community. The organization is requesting funds for operational support for FY 19/20. Their events include a holiday concert, which will juxtapose the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and Jazz composer Dave Brubeck, a mid-winter concert with the Ames Children’s Choirs, and a final concert featuring choral exploration of nature and the environment. Traci Reetz, Julie Siegel, and Amy Divine, of Story Theater Company were present. Traci informed the Commission that Story Theater Company holds four shows per year. In addition to the shows, the organization holds a summer theater program and camps during the school year. Traci noted that the organization could no longer rent out its black box theater, which has resulted in reduced income. The City auditorium will also increase its rental fee. The increase in expenses has prompted the organization to raise its fee by 15%. For FY 19/20, the organization forecasted an increase in expenses of $5,200. Traci provided testimonies from participants. Jason inquired about Story Theater Company’s cash reserves for building improvements. Amy Divine responded that the organization had upgraded its sprinkler system, made plumbing repairs and added panic bars on its doors. Other non-categorized expenses include the cost for sets props, and costumes. Marilu Raman and Sue Ravenscroft, of the Ames Chapter of the Des Moines Metro Opera Guild, were present. Marilu Raman informed the Commissioners that the Ames Chapter tries to foster interest by having monthly programs and presentations of short operas in the Ames community. For FY 19/20, the organization is requesting assistance to bring residents of Ames to the opera. Several of its members are unable to drive. The Chapter plans to rent a shuttle for its aging members and students. Sue Ravenscroft added that the festivals include three major operas in the summer. Jason questioned whether the cost would be subsidized by participants. Marilu Raman confirmed that the participants would be paying $15 each way. Dancenter Dance – No representative was present for Dancenter Dance. Jennifer Brockpahler, of the Ames Community Arts Council (ACAC), provided an overview on the organization. For FY 19/20, the organization is requesting funds to host its monthly artist gatherings, Ames area studio tour, annual arts award, and professional development opportunities. The organization also provides small art education grants, and marketing for its members. Jennifer informed the Commission that the ACAC is also working on a mural project, the Business of Art Seminar with the Octagon, and will be pursing the possibility of having a table at the Downtown Ames Farmers Market. Jason inquired about the ACAC increase in fees and services. Jennifer responded that she has been hiring out the design work for the organization rather than using student interns. Valerie Williams, of Co’Motion Dance Theater, provided an overview of the organization. This season the organization plans to hold two fully-produced concerts. One concert will combine amateur and professional dancers and the other will involve only professional dancers. Srinivas Reddy, of the India Cultural Association (ICA), noted that he would like to clarify the cost of the honorarium. He noted that ICA is expecting an honorarium around $8,000 to $10,000. He also noted that the ICA has collaborated with the Ames Public Library on several series. The ICA also had a fundraiser called Zero Hunger Run to benefit Food at First, the hurricane relief fund, and the flood relief in India. Tasheik asked the Commissioners how they would like to address the issue with Dancenter Dance. Tom noted that the organization was given two opportunities to be present. It was moved by Tom, seconded by Deanne, to not consider funding for Dancenter Dance for FY 19/20. Upcoming Important Dates Jason announced that the next COTA meeting would be held on January 7, 2019. Adjourn Tom moved the meeting be adjourned. Natalie seconded. The meeting adjourned at 6:31 p.m.